Your eyes are one of the first features people notice — and often the first area of the face to show the effects of aging. Excess upper eyelid skin, under-eye bags, and changes in the tissues surrounding the eyes can create a tired, heavy, or older appearance that doesn’t reflect how you feel.
Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is designed to restore a more refreshed, alert, and youthful appearance by removing or repositioning excess skin and fat from the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Rather than changing the shape of your eyes or altering your facial expression, the goal is to restore a natural, well-rested appearance while preserving your unique features.
At Cabo Plastic Surgery, every procedure is tailored to your individual anatomy and aesthetic goals. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot, a board-certified plastic surgeon with fellowship training in craniofacial surgery and facial aesthetics, will determine whether upper blepharoplasty, lower blepharoplasty, or a combined procedure is the best option for you. He will also evaluate your brow position and facial anatomy to determine whether a brow lift or deep plane facelift would provide a more comprehensive result.
One of the advantages of our practice is that most upper eyelid procedures can be performed comfortably under local anesthesia in our clinic, avoiding general anesthesia and a hospital stay. Lower eyelid surgery and combined procedures are performed in an AAAASF-accredited hospital under sedation or general anesthesia to provide the highest standards of patient safety.
Whether your goal is to look more rested, improve your field of vision, or achieve comprehensive facial rejuvenation, our philosophy remains the same: recommend the procedure that best matches your anatomy and provides the most natural, balanced, and long-lasting result.
Not all blepharoplasty procedures are the same. Understanding the differences between upper eyelid, lower eyelid, and combined blepharoplasty is the first step toward choosing the approach that’s right for you.
| Procedure | Blepharoplasty — upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or combined |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Remove or reposition excess skin and fat around the eyes to restore a refreshed, rested appearance while preserving natural eye shape. |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia for most upper eyelid procedures; sedation or general anesthesia for lower eyelid and combined procedures. |
| Setting | Upper eyelid surgery in our clinic; lower eyelid and combined procedures in an AAAASF-accredited hospital. |
| Incisions | Within the natural upper eyelid crease, or just beneath the lower eyelashes. |
| Sutures | Typically removed during the first week, when required. |
| Return to Work | Approximately 7–10 days after upper blepharoplasty; 10–14 days after lower or combined procedures. |
| Exercise | Light walking soon after surgery; strenuous exercise usually after 2–4 weeks, once cleared. |
| Contact Lenses | Generally avoided for approximately two weeks. |
| Final Results | Increasingly apparent over 3–6 months as swelling resolves and scars mature. |
| Longevity | Long-lasting, although the natural aging process continues. |
The investment in your procedure depends on your individual treatment plan.
The cost of blepharoplasty depends on whether you require upper eyelid surgery, lower eyelid surgery, or a combined procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will recommend the approach that best matches your anatomy and aesthetic goals before providing your personalized treatment plan.
The medical team fee includes:
Should an unexpected complication require additional hospitalization, emergency surgery, or treatment by outside providers, any associated hospital or third-party fees are not included.
Hospital operating room fees apply only to lower eyelid and combined blepharoplasty procedures and are quoted separately, as they vary based on the anticipated surgical time and facility requirements. Upper eyelid blepharoplasty is performed in our clinic under local anesthesia and does not require hospital or operating room fees.
| Procedure | Approximate U.S. average surgeon fee |
|---|---|
| Upper Blepharoplasty | $4,100–$4,500 USD |
| Lower Blepharoplasty | $5,200–$5,600 USD |
| Combined Upper & Lower | $6,300–$6,800 USD |
These figures are U.S. averages shown for comparison, not Cabo Plastic Surgery pricing. They represent surgeon fees only and generally do not include anesthesia, operating room charges, or other associated expenses, which can substantially increase the total cost of surgery.
Compared with current pricing in the United States, where eyelid surgery generally costs significantly more, undergoing blepharoplasty at Cabo Plastic Surgery may represent substantial savings without compromising safety or quality.
The three approaches treat different concerns and are performed in different settings. The comparison below summarises the key differences; your consultation determines which is right for you.
| Upper | Lower | Combined | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treats | Excess, hooded upper eyelid skin | Under-eye bags, puffiness, loose skin | Both upper and lower concerns |
| Anesthesia | Local | Sedation or general | Sedation or general |
| Setting | Our clinic | AAAASF-accredited hospital | AAAASF-accredited hospital |
| Incision | Natural upper eyelid crease | Just beneath the lower lashes | Both |
| Back to work | 7–10 days | 10–14 days | 10–14 days |
The benefits of blepharoplasty extend beyond simply removing excess skin.
Blepharoplasty is one of the most rewarding procedures in facial plastic surgery because even subtle improvements around the eyes can significantly refresh your overall appearance. By restoring the natural contours of the eyelids, the procedure helps you look more alert, rested, and youthful while preserving your unique facial expression.
Depending on your anatomy and the procedure performed, blepharoplasty may:
Our goal is not to make your eyes look different — it is to restore the appearance you had before excess skin and age-related changes developed. Every procedure is tailored to your anatomy, preserving your natural eye shape, facial expressions, and individual character while achieving balanced, natural-looking results.
The best results begin with selecting the right candidate.
Blepharoplasty can be performed on both men and women who wish to restore a more refreshed, alert, and youthful appearance around the eyes. The best candidates are in good overall health, have realistic expectations, and are bothered by age-related or hereditary changes affecting the upper or lower eyelids.
You may be a good candidate if you have:
Blepharoplasty may not be the best option if you have:
During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will determine whether blepharoplasty is the right procedure for you and recommend the treatment plan best suited to your anatomy and goals.
Every blepharoplasty is personalized to your anatomy and aesthetic goals. Whether you’re undergoing upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or combined blepharoplasty, your surgical plan is designed to restore a refreshed, natural appearance while preserving the unique character of your eyes.
Your consultation begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your eyelids, brow position, skin quality, and medical history. Dr. Roberto López Konschot will determine whether upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or combined blepharoplasty is the most appropriate option for you.
Before surgery, you’ll receive personalized preoperative instructions, which may include:
Most upper eyelid procedures are performed under local anesthesia in our clinic, allowing patients to return home shortly after surgery.
TechniqueExcess skin and, when appropriate, small amounts of fat are removed through an incision carefully concealed within the natural eyelid crease.
Lower eyelid surgery is performed in an AAAASF-accredited hospital under sedation or general anesthesia.
TechniqueDepending on your anatomy, excess fat may be repositioned or removed, excess skin trimmed, and the lower eyelid tightened when needed to create a smoother, more youthful contour.
When both the upper and lower eyelids require treatment, the procedures can usually be combined during a single operation, providing comprehensive rejuvenation of the eye area with a single recovery period.
Recovery after blepharoplasty is typically straightforward and predictable.
Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and tightness during the first several days after blepharoplasty. These symptoms gradually improve, with most patients feeling comfortable returning to normal daily activities within one to two weeks, depending on the procedure performed.
To promote proper healing, we recommend that you:
Although many patients feel well within a few days, healing continues for several weeks, and your final results will become more apparent as swelling gradually resolves.
As your recovery progresses, you can gradually return to your normal routine.
Most patients enjoy returning to their normal routines with a more refreshed, rested appearance that still looks like them. As swelling continues to improve, the eyes appear brighter, more open, and naturally rejuvenated without looking overdone.
| Returning to Work | Most patients return to non-strenuous work within 7–10 days after upper blepharoplasty and 10–14 days after lower or combined procedures, depending on their recovery. |
|---|---|
| Exercise | Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery. More strenuous exercise can usually be resumed after 2–4 weeks, once approved by Dr. López Konschot. |
| Glasses & Contact Lenses | Glasses can usually be worn immediately. Contact lenses should generally be avoided for approximately two weeks, or until advised otherwise. |
| Sun Protection | Protecting the eyelids from sun exposure during the healing process helps minimize scar visibility. Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended once the incisions have healed. |
| Long-Term Maintenance | Although blepharoplasty cannot stop the natural aging process, the results are long-lasting. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure can help preserve your refreshed appearance for many years. |
As healing progresses, your final results become increasingly apparent.
Blepharoplasty provides long-lasting improvement by restoring a more refreshed, rested, and youthful appearance around the eyes. As swelling gradually resolves, the eyelids appear smoother, the eyes look brighter and more open, and the face maintains its natural expression. Most patients report looking more rested and approachable without appearing to have had surgery.
Upper eyelid blepharoplasty can also improve the visual field in selected patients with significant excess skin that partially obstructs their peripheral vision. Lower eyelid blepharoplasty restores a smoother transition between the eyelid and cheek by reducing puffiness and under-eye bags.
Although the aging process continues, the improvements achieved with blepharoplasty are typically long-lasting. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure can help preserve your results for many years.
Our goal is not to make you look different — it is to help you look like a more refreshed, well-rested version of yourself. The best results are those that appear natural and leave others noticing that you look healthier and more youthful, without realizing you’ve had surgery.
Achieving these results depends not only on the procedure itself, but also on the experience of your surgeon.
Choosing where to have blepharoplasty is just as important as deciding to have the procedure itself. At Cabo Plastic Surgery, every patient receives individualized care, from the initial consultation through recovery, with a focus on natural-looking results and patient safety.
We believe excellent plastic surgery is about making the right recommendation — not simply performing another procedure. Sometimes that means recommending blepharoplasty, sometimes combining it with another facial procedure, and sometimes advising against surgery altogether.
Our commitment is to recommend the treatment plan that best serves your long-term interests while helping you achieve a refreshed, natural-looking result.
Many of our patients travel from the United States, Canada, and other countries for blepharoplasty. To make the process as convenient as possible, we offer virtual consultations that allow you to discuss your concerns and treatment goals before traveling to Los Cabos.
During your virtual consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will review your medical history, evaluate your photographs, and discuss whether upper eyelid, lower eyelid, or combined blepharoplasty is the most appropriate option. Your surgical plan will be confirmed after an in-person examination prior to surgery.
Our team will help coordinate your consultation, surgery, accommodations, and follow-up appointments, making your experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Blepharoplasty will change the shape of my eyes.
FactThe goal of blepharoplasty is to restore a more refreshed appearance — not to change your eye shape or facial expression. When properly performed, the results should look natural and preserve your unique features.
My under-eye bags are caused only by lack of sleep.
FactWhile fatigue can temporarily worsen puffiness, persistent under-eye bags are most often caused by aging, genetics, and changes in the fat surrounding the eyes. These changes cannot usually be corrected with creams or rest alone.
Blepharoplasty is only for older people.
FactAlthough aging is the most common reason for eyelid surgery, younger patients with hereditary heavy eyelids or under-eye bags may also benefit from the procedure.
The results will look obvious or overdone.
FactWell-performed blepharoplasty should make you look more rested and refreshed — not like you’ve had surgery. The goal is to preserve your natural eye shape and facial expression while reducing the signs of aging.
Blepharoplasty removes all wrinkles around the eyes.
FactBlepharoplasty improves excess skin and under-eye bags but does not eliminate crow’s feet or all fine lines. Additional treatments, such as laser resurfacing or neuromodulators, may be recommended to address skin texture and dynamic wrinkles.
Upper eyelid surgery will correct under-eye bags.
FactUpper and lower blepharoplasty treat different concerns. Upper blepharoplasty removes excess skin from the upper eyelids, while lower blepharoplasty addresses under-eye bags, puffiness, and excess skin beneath the eyes. Some patients benefit from a combined procedure to achieve the most balanced and comprehensive result.
Patients often have additional questions about blepharoplasty, recovery, and long-term results.
Yes. Most upper eyelid blepharoplasty procedures are comfortably performed under local anesthesia in our clinic, allowing you to return home shortly after surgery. For patients who are particularly anxious or prefer additional comfort, intravenous sedation administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist is also available.
Yes. We recommend arranging transportation home after your procedure. Patients receiving intravenous sedation or general anesthesia must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Even after upper blepharoplasty performed under local anesthesia, you should avoid driving until your vision is clear, you feel comfortable behind the wheel, and you are no longer taking prescription pain medication.
Most patients should avoid wearing contact lenses for approximately two weeks, or until approved by Dr. López Konschot.
Most patients can begin applying makeup around the eyes once the incisions have healed, typically 10–14 days after surgery.
Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery. Most patients resume more strenuous exercise after 2–4 weeks, once cleared by Dr. López Konschot.
Incisions are carefully placed within the natural upper eyelid crease or just beneath the lower eyelashes, where they typically become very discreet once fully healed.
No. The goal of blepharoplasty is to restore a refreshed, well-rested appearance while preserving your natural eye shape and facial expression.
Yes. Although blepharoplasty provides long-lasting results, the aging process continues. Some patients choose a secondary procedure years later if additional age-related changes develop.
Patient privacy and confidentiality are fundamental to our practice. For this reason, before-and-after photographs are not published online. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot may share examples of previous results when appropriate and with patient authorization.
Although revision surgery is uncommon, any concerns will be carefully evaluated after healing is complete. Dr. López Konschot will discuss your options and recommend the most appropriate treatment if additional care is needed.
Blepharoplasty can often be combined with other facial rejuvenation procedures to achieve more comprehensive and harmonious results.
Some patients achieve their best results by combining blepharoplasty with other facial rejuvenation procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Roberto López Konschot will recommend the combination that best matches your anatomy, concerns, and long-term goals.
Commonly combined procedures include:
Although procedures are often combined safely, Dr. López Konschot may recommend staging surgery when additional procedures would significantly increase operative time or recovery. Our priority is always to provide the safest treatment plan and the best possible long-term outcome.
Choosing to undergo blepharoplasty is a personal decision. Our role is to provide honest recommendations, individualized care, and the information you need to make that decision with confidence.
Our goal isn’t simply to perform surgery — it’s to help you choose the treatment plan that provides the most natural result and the greatest long-term benefit for your appearance, confidence, and quality of life.
If you’re considering eyelid surgery or would like to learn whether blepharoplasty is right for you, we invite you to schedule a personal or virtual consultation.
Schedule a ConsultationThis information is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace a personalized consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. Every patient is unique, and recommendations regarding blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) should always be based on an individual evaluation, medical history, anatomy, and aesthetic goals.
Because medical knowledge continues to evolve, the information presented here reflects current evidence and accepted practices at the time of publication.
Last Updated: September 2026
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Roberto López Konschot, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon